British cats have a character. Character and behavior of the British cat. Video about the British Shorthair cat

Appearance british cats captivates at first sight. These respectable and at the same time touching animals exactly correspond to the name of their breed. They seem like real ladies and gentlemen from noble Albion. But how do the British behave? Maybe they have a difficult temperament? This is what felinologists – cat specialists – say.

British cat character

British cats: character and behavior

Representatives of this breed are naturally reserved and calm. But behind the external equanimity hides an original temperament. The first thing that catches the owners' eyes is the independence of the British kitten. He will be equally polite to all family members, but is unlikely to immediately lie on a person’s lap. And you rarely hear meowing from him, only if you really need something. But very soon the positive properties of the British cat will appear:

· devotion;

· friendliness;

· kindness;

· patience;

· neatness.

All these positive qualities are combined with a high sense of self-esteem.

Constant in his habits and preferences, the “purely English cat” will not stoop to whims and stupid pranks. He has a very high intelligence. At the same time, the British cat knows how to be affectionate and even funny.

British cat: character, features

The main feature of the breed is loyalty to people. The Briton does not choose a favorite in the family, as cats usually do. He will be equally affectionate with his owner, her husband and children. But with kids the pet is especially gentle and patient.

The calm British cat does not like vigorous activity. As a child, he is playful, like all kittens, but as he grows up, he prefers to sit on the window and contemplate the street with an important air. Favorite hobby British - sleep in the sun. He himself chooses the time for fun and the family member with whom he wants to play at the moment. Special cat toys are not required. Natural ingenuity helps the cat make a toy from everything he finds in the house - clothespins, a baby sock, a candy wrapper.

British cats easily tolerate loneliness. Therefore, felinologists consider them ideal pets for business people.

British cat– this is aristocracy and endurance in one bottle, gentleness and an absolutely unbending disposition. British pussies are similar in character to the English who gave them their name.

HOW TO COMMUNICATE WITH A CAT?

British cats are incredibly friendly, sweet, sociable, affectionate animals. Like many other cat breeds, the British especially single out only one family member who is loved with deep selfless love. They can follow their owner or mistress from room to room, watch them for hours, and at the first opportunity sit on their laps or next to them. The British also get along well and communicate well with other family members.

British cats love children. They are patient and do not get offended if a child accidentally touches them.

But it should be remembered that British is not suitable for. These amazing creatures simply do not tolerate familiarity towards themselves. Many owners of these cats regularly find themselves thinking that they need to add “sir”, “madam” or “please” before their name. Like any Englishman, the Briton has an innate sense of self-esteem.

Video: amazing breed

Yes, the Briton is not a teddy bear at all. This cat is affectionate, but allows you to do with it only what does not humiliate the cat’s dignity.

WHO IS THIS CAT SUITABLE FOR?

Many lovers of British cats consider them to be the ideal cat. This cat has a kind and soulful look, a pleasant character, a variety of colors, and requires simple care, which makes it more and more popular.

The British cat received a succinctly characterizing name - "cat for a businessman". This all-understanding kitty is ideal for those who spend a lot of time working and are often away from home.

The Briton has a significant amount of Persian blood running through his veins. Therefore, he can be very restrained in expressing emotions, and sometimes even timid. This cat must be handled carefully and patiently.

FAQ

It is not at all necessary to specifically engage in raising a Briton. These cats are quite smart and can understand everything they need on their own. Even a tiny kitten is unlikely to go to the toilet anywhere other than the litter tray or sharpen its claws on the owner’s furniture. The sleeping place for a Briton should be located at some elevation and away from drafts. These cats do not experience insomnia, but periods of drowsiness may occur. After eating, a British person will never run around the apartment. He needs a full nap to digest his food. You should not constantly keep your Briton busy with games or grooming procedures. This is a cat breed for which it is extremely important to get enough sleep. A kitty that doesn't get enough sleep will eat poorly and be lethargic and irritable.

The British cat is an extremely clean creature. She will spend half of her active time on hygiene procedures.

And this has not only a hygienic meaning. In this way, the cat often escapes stress and brings itself into psychological harmony after, for example, a trip to the veterinarian, a trip by transport, catching up with the owner.

Video: character traits of the breed

Pet activity

Up to a year old, little British babies are restless and love outdoor games. In this they are no different from all other kittens. But here after reaching one year of age, activity decreases, and the Briton begins to lead much more calm image life.

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When a Briton is well-fed and has had a good night's sleep, he will take advantage of every opportunity to play. Only very old and fat cats do not play. In games, British cats are precise, dexterous, and inventive.

It is especially interesting to watch little kittens play. They endlessly track each other, attack from ambush, and race each other.

Interestingly, they accurately imitate the behavior of adult cats: showdown with an opponent, attack, defense, a mother protecting her children, defense of prey, fighting.

When a cat plays, its actions are almost indistinguishable from its behavior in real life. She can hunt for a ball or the owner's hand, like a mouse. But she does not experience such vivid emotions as in a real situation, and her sharp claws are hidden in the soft pads of her paws.

Young Britons can play alone, for example, with a cork, a piece of fur, a ball, or paper that has fallen under their paw. But an adult cat is unlikely to play alone. In order to somehow motivate her to move or physical activity, you need to provide your beloved kitty with a corner where she can hunt and improve in simple acrobatic exercises. And if there is no corner, then you need to pay attention to your pet 2-3 times and play active games with him, including running and jumping.

Country of origin: Great Britain
Known since: XIX century
Category: III (shorthair)

A British Shorthair cat cannot be confused with any other, even in the dark and by touch. These are massive, squat animals with a round head and plush fur. Muzzle with thick cheeks, a small nose and wide-set straight ears. A distinctive feature of appearance is a leather fold around the neck, giving the animal a lordly appearance.. Bright orange or dark honey round eyes are located on the midline of the muzzle.

British shorthair cat

Their character is also peculiar. Independent, intelligent and reserved, the British do not need constant human presence. They are characterized by innate aristocracy, love of freedom and dignity.

They will never allow themselves to do nasty things to their owner or misbehave in the house, but they will lose trust in a person if they are often shouted at or offended. British cats are friendly, balanced, clean, love to play at any age and really appreciate affectionate treatment, and when they don’t receive it, they become unsociable and withdrawn.

British cats are playful at any age

When their owner returns home, they sincerely rejoice at him and strive for communication, but they extremely rarely allow themselves to be picked up and even less often come on their own.

You need to raise your Briton diligently and diplomatically, and praise him more often for good deeds.

About the breed

The British are an exotic breed of cats, very loved by many in our country. The breed is especially popular in America and Europe.

The British cat is one of the most ancient breeds, its history goes back almost 2000 years, and, in all honesty, it’s probably worth calling it Roman, since its appearance in Foggy Albion was facilitated by the conquering legionnaires. But its character still speaks in favor of the fact that the British spirit turned out to be stronger, and the breed is even credited with being related to the fabulous Cheshire cat.

The homeland of these cats is considered to be Great Britain, however, there is no reliable historical data on the origin of this breed.

Some sources claim that The British are descended from crossing long-haired Persians with street mestizos, others report that these cats were brought to Britain as early as the 1st century AD. the ancient Romans during their conquests.

Appearance

The British Shorthair cat has an extremely impressive appearance, which is why it attracted attention at the end of the 19th century. At the exhibition in 1871, held in Great Britain, standards for various breeds of cats were first adopted and criteria for evaluating animals were defined.

The cat's head is round, with well-prominent cheeks, wide cheekbones, and a thick and short neck. The nose is straight, short, wide. Eyes – large, wide open, bright orange color. Some have eye colors ranging from blue to emerald.

Appearance of a British shorthair cat

Size ears medium, wide at the base. The tips of the ears are rounded. The ears are set quite far back. Between the ears, approximately in the crown area, a plane is formed. The cat's body is squat and large. The chest is wide, the back is straight. The shoulders are massive and wide. Short, thick legs. The paws are dense and round. Thick tail of medium length, wide at the base and rounded at the end. The fur is dense and thick. She served as a reason to call this breed plush.

Color

Classic coat colors are considered to be uniform, solid gray-blue, as well as lilac. However, about sixty more options are acceptable. The main ones are listed below.

Smoky– contrasting color: the tips of the hair are black, and the undercoat is as light as possible. The darkest places are the back, head, paws. Lighter sides, neck, ears. Eyes orange or copper color.

British shorthair cat black smoke

Bicolor is a combination of primary and white colors in a 1/3 ratio. One ear must be painted, perhaps a large colored spot on the head. Colored spots on the back and legs are acceptable.

British shorthair bicolor cat

British shorthair cat, Siamese color

Tabby– a striped, marbled, clear pattern combining lines, rings and spots. There is a mark in the shape of the letter “M” on the forehead. There are three parallel lines on the back. The belly is spotted, there are circles on the hips, and clear patterns on the sides.

British shorthair tabby cat

Tortoiseshell– color combines black with red or blue with cream. These colors suggest a uniform combination of black (blue) and red (cream) colors. Tortoiseshell colors are not subject to such strict requirements as solid colors.

British shorthair cat color tortoiseshell

British cat character

The British Shorthair cat is a kind, intelligent and strong animal with a certain aristocratic behavior.

She is self-sufficient and independent. The animal calmly endures loneliness and finds something to do for itself. The British do not like to fawn on the owner and ask to be held. They show restraint and dignity inherent in high society. The cat will not scratch or bite, if the owner starts hugging or squeezing her. She will calmly free herself and leave if she doesn’t like it.

British cats don't like to be held

Despite their isolation, the British are attached to their owners, eagerly await their return home, joyfully greet them to tell about the past day, eat and purr on their knees. If your pet is not given attention, the animal may become withdrawn and unsociable. The British enjoy playing and running if they are in the mood. The cat does not allow itself to be stroked by strangers; it will stay away from strangers.

Contents and move

Although the breed is unpretentious, it requires attention from the owner.

The British have strong immunity and enjoy good health.

For a Briton you should equip a sleeping place

The cat likes to sleep where it likes best, but you should still buy a sleeping place for it - a cat basket with a soft insert or an ottoman. The sleeping place should be located away from a source of cold or draft. . Although cats don’t have colds as such, the most similar disease is... She can do it.

Bathing

It is harmful for a British breed cat to stay in the sun for a long time, as the fur may acquire a reddish tint.

Feeding

The British love to eat. Therefore, the owner must take into account this feature of his pet and monitor its weight. The cat should move a lot and play - this will help avoid gaining excess weight.

The cat's food should be well balanced, liquid food and jelly should be given, as this breed is prone to.

You can feed British cats high-quality ready-made food

Milk can be given to kittens up to three months. For adult animals, it is replaced with kefir or sour cream. You need to choose a wide bowl to make it easier for your cat to eat.

Don’t forget that drinking water should always be available to your cat.

Vaccination

Your cat must undergo a full range of vaccinations at a veterinary clinic.. Vaccinations protect your pet from dangerous diseases that can affect the animal.

The British need to undergo a full range of vaccinations

Cats of this breed have very thick hair, so with frequent licking, the animal's stomach becomes clogged with hairballs that are difficult to remove. digestive system. To avoid this problem, your cat should be brushed regularly, at least once a week.

Your British dog needs regular brushing.

To remove hair from the esophagus, you can buy special food. During a shedding cat needs to be brushed more often. In pet stores, veterinary clinics and pharmacies sell special scratchers.

Kittens

The filler in the tray should be changed once every 2 days

The kitten must be accustomed to the tray in time, then he will use it. The filler in the tray must be changed at least once every two days. If this is not done, the cat will begin to walk in inappropriate places (on the carpet or on the bed) and the owner will be to blame for this. For one cat you need to have two trays, then the filler will have to be changed less often.

Video about the British Shorthair cat

The British cat is a plush miracle that will leave few people indifferent. It’s no wonder that British kittens have won the hearts of our compatriots - they are cute, calm and leisurely pets that get along well with children and dogs. They are affectionate, but in moderation; they cannot be called intrusive.

This breed of cat has its own characteristics, behavior, and care, which you must know before purchasing a pet.

Breed Features

British Shorthair cat - description of the breed is found in ancient sources. It has a rich pedigree, officially dating back to 43 AD. It was at that time that Claudius, the uncle of the murdered Emperor Caligula, having inherited an empty throne, decided to secure it by taking military action with Britain. He sent 4 Roman legions towards the islands. It so happened that the fierce legionnaires set foot on the shores of Britain not alone, but together with cats.

What does a British cat look like? The British are distinguished by their large size, with the male being much larger than the female. An adult British cat can weigh up to 5–8 kg. Representatives of this breed generally look very harmonious. British cats have a dense build and strong bones.

The British must have a compact body, a large head on a strong neck, and not too large strong paws. The breed of British cats is distinguished by the presence of a flexible, not very long, thick tail at the base, which has the shape of a cone with a rounded tip. The British straight-eared cat has a rounded muzzle profile, an elongated body, and a long tail that is slightly tapered towards the tip. British cats can have different colors: black, silver, lilac, spotted, tabby, tortoiseshell.

British Shorthair standard:

The head is round, correct form. The skull is wide. The British breed means that the animal's face should be as close to a circle as possible.
The nose is straight, short and wide. There is a small depression in the area of the bridge of the nose.
Low set small ears.
The eyes are round and large. Most often - gold color.
The body is strong, muscular and broad-boned.
The coat can be long or short.
Each Briton has its own color, which must fully comply with all the standards of a particular breed type.

Character of British breed cats

The British cat has an easy-going character. She is approachable and sociable, friendly and affectionate. Another positive character trait is that they get along well with all family members and other animals (except birds).

The character of British cats is ideal for people who spend a lot of time outside the home and do not have enough time to care for the animal’s fur. The cat is unobtrusive and is able to take care of its coat itself. A plush pet will never show its weakness under any circumstances. The reason for this is innate aristocracy.

The character of British cats is very proud. If you forgot to feed your pet, then he will definitely not ask for anything and will remain hungry. After that, he will only look at you as if you are guilty of all mortal sins.

British cat colors

The first officially recognized British woman was purely white. The desire to breed a large, strong, hardy cat with a calm character has led to the fact that the colors of British cats include 25 species. Some species are so rare that few people can afford them.

The types of British cats are varied. The first representatives had a thick undercoat and short hair. Kinship with the Persian breed gave rise to the British semi-longhair.

Types of colors can be divided into groups depending on the type of pattern, the predominance of a particular color and the type of pigmentation. British Blue is the standard color of the breed. Its coat is monochromatic, without light hairs; the undercoat is sometimes a little lighter. The lighter the wool, the more expensive the British wool is valued. blue cat. In kittens, it is acceptable to have a residual pattern in the first months of life, which completely disappears by the age of 1 year. The myth that British Blues must have bright orange eyes is a misconception. All kittens are born with blue or gray dull eyes.

Very rare British dogs of cinnamon and fawn colors, more often found - black, blue, white, red, chocolate, lilac.

The lilac British cat has a solid color, combining blue and pink color. It should be remembered that black and brown British Shorthair cats should not have light tan. Cinnamon is a very attractive but rare color of the British cinnamon cat breed. The British White cat may have blue or multi-colored eyes. The Golden Brittany has large eyes of a bright emerald color, which are set quite wide. Small ears with rounded tips are slightly tilted forward. The British golden cat has limbs like all British cats - quite strong, with rounded paws. You can find out more about British cats of the selected species from the breeder. There you will receive full information about pedigree.

Cat care

Caring for a British cat is a unique skill, and to some extent even a talent. It’s good that manufacturers of various cat accessories think about the owners, and from year to year modernized models of houses, combs, leashes, shampoos, etc. appear on the cat accessories market, which are used to care for a pet. Your task is to understand the tools for caring for cats and use them skillfully.

So, the owner of a domestic British cat who lives exclusively in an apartment will be interested in the question of the tray and its filler. In practice, there are many cases when owners are forced to give up a pet just because of the unpleasant odor emanating from the toilet room. In this case, you can find a solution in caring for a British shorthair cat by choosing the right tray and filler for it. Do not under any circumstances skimp or cut out a cat's toilet space from cardboard or wood - these materials become damp and rot. The cat itself will soon not want to use such a toilet. For cat litter, it is better to buy a plastic tray, preferably with a grid.

The next factor is the filler. Some British cats do not need it, but others have a natural instinct to dig and dig. In this case, you also shouldn’t save money and collect dirty sand on the street. Firstly, sand does not neutralize the smell, and secondly, it can soon spread throughout the entire apartment thanks to the paws of a furry pet. It is better to buy granules that tend to clump when exposed to moisture, that is, you will not have to change the entire tray when the cat relieves itself; it will be enough to replace a lump of wet granules.

An important point in caring for British cats is hygiene.

The next deterrent is the wool. If there is severe shedding, contact your veterinarian; this may be a consequence of vitamin deficiency. Next, start combing. First, get your cat used to the brush, don’t hurt it, don’t pin it in corners, don’t frighten it. If these conditions are met, the combing process will bring pleasure to both you and your pet.

Sometimes it’s nice to pamper your favorite miracle. Store shelves are now bursting with various toys, vitamins, and scratching posts. These little things, which at first glance may seem like excess, will significantly affect the cat’s life. She herself will be able to sharpen her teeth on toys and claws - on a special board, and not your sofa. British kittens - their character and caring for them requires a special approach. Take care of cats correctly and get real pleasure from your work.

Cat food

If you still think that the British cat breed can eat what falls from its owners’ table, then you are deeply mistaken. Table scraps, bones, raw meat, and sweets can have a detrimental effect on the health of your furry friend. The diet of a pet, like the diet of a person, should consist of the necessary daily norm useful substances. On average, the diet of mature Britons should include 150 g of protein, 50 g of carbohydrates and substances necessary for digestion, water and vitamins every day. It is not advisable to leave a British cat without food for 2-3 days; it is important to monitor the presence of water in its bowl. Please note that the British Shorthair cat breed is very clean.

If her bowl is dirty, she may refuse to eat.

Based on this, you have several feeding options. Firstly, this is natural food, that is, one that you made for the sake of your beloved pet. Be prepared to sacrifice your time and energy for the sake of your pet's health. But it’s not so difficult to find a way out of this situation - cook in your free time for the whole week, distributing portions into bags and freezing them in the refrigerator.

What can you cook? In general, each dish should correspond to the proportion - 60–70% meat or fish, 15–20% vegetables, the rest cereals. Meat is the main product in a pet’s diet because it contains the substance taurine, a deficiency of which leads to poor vision, disorders of the nervous and of cardio-vascular system. A cat treat is, of course, dairy products. However, it should be remembered that British cats should not consume foods with a high percentage of fat content; it is better to give light kefir and fermented baked milk.

Secondly, you can use industrial feed. On bright packaging healthy and joyful animals are drawn, which attracts owners. Let's discover a simple truth - no matter how expensive food is, it will never replace natural products. The food still has its advantages: the manufacturers scientifically calculated the cats’ required diet and based on this they prepared a treat for them. If you still decide to buy food for your pet, then alternate it with natural products. Remember - you are responsible for those you have tamed.

Cat health

The key to a pet's health is the result of the attention and care of its owner. After all, how nice it is to watch a healthy and active cat that has no problems with appetite, breathing and coordination of movements. Therefore, in addition to regular independent supervision, which is important, it is necessary to periodically show your pet veterinarian, because many diseases may not be visible to the human eye. For example, it is very difficult to recognize cancer, which often manifests itself in adult cats; in some cases, it may not interfere with their life processes.

British cats can be sick with AIDS, cystitis and a number of other diseases that can only be identified by a specialist.

So what can you do to prevent your meowing friend from feeling unwell? A proven method is to feel the cat's nose. In a healthy pet it will be damp and cool, but if it is dry and hot, this is the first cause for concern.

Try to prevent your cat from being poisoned by hiding everything in advance. toxic substances in the house. Make sure your cat does not come into contact with other animals that could spread the infection. This doesn't just apply to dogs or cats; Often cats get sick due to bites from ticks, fleas and other insects. In this case, before a walk, it is advisable to treat the animal’s fur with special protective equipment.

Poor nutrition is a direct path to stomach or liver disease. When feeding a British breed cat only dry food, you are putting the animal in real danger. In addition, unsuitable food can cause caries in your pet. Therefore, if your cat suddenly starts eating grass while on a walk, do not interfere under any circumstances. The pet is guided by the instinct of self-preservation; this is how its ability to self-medicate is manifested. Hence the well-known phrase “lick the wounds”: the fact is that cat saliva contains the substance lysozyme, under the influence of which the wound is neutralized and heals faster. Therefore, there is no need to worry about minor scratches and wounds.

Try to remove all objects from your home that could injure your cat.

Small kittens need feeding 2 times more often than an adult cat. Up to 2 months, a small kitten should eat 5-6 times a day in small portions, that is, it should be fed little by little, but often.

It is wise to provide your kitten with constant access to food.

This ensures on-demand feeding. Cats very rarely transmit. If overeating does happen, then it is better to return to feeding by the hour.

Harmful products:

butter and other fats;
pork;
bird bones:
sausage;
raw fish.

In conclusion, one more tip on how to feed a one-month-old kitten - if the kitten refuses to eat from the bowl, offer him new food from your hands and the problem in most cases will be resolved immediately. Feed your little pet correctly, and every time he will gift you with his irrepressible cheerfulness and soothing purr.

Basic information regarding cat health will help you sense danger early and take action. Remember, the life and health of a living creature depends on your attention.

Raising a pet

On advertising posters, in glossy magazines, and television screensavers, you can often see the main character - a small kitten, so funny, helpless, on weak legs, who takes his first hesitant steps. And an unconscious desire arises to give your child the same fluffy living toy. The search begins for a newborn kitten in order to quickly take it from the cat and bring it into your home. But is this right? At what age should I adopt a kitten?

Raising cats is not only a necessary process, but also an exciting one for you and your cat. By taking home an animal, you agree to be responsible for it. The way you raise your cat will affect its future attitude towards you and family members, its character and habits.

The first thing you need to start the process of raising a cat is to give it a name. Choose a nickname that the kitten will respond to instantly—short and sonorous. Try to call the animal to you with all the names you have chosen for it, and you will understand which one you should choose by its reaction.

Tray training is an obligatory part of education from the first days of your pet’s settling in your home.

Pet stores offer many different products that will help you set up your cat's litter box. Choose the option that is most convenient for you and your pet. If he is still just a kitten, buy a small tray that is the right size. Bring the cat to its private litter box; let her remember the way to him. If the animal has done its “dirty deed” in the wrong place, explain to it that this is not possible and bring it back to the tray. Do not scold her under any circumstances, otherwise the animal will be afraid and will not become your friend. With this method of calmly explaining the situation, you will sooner or later instill in the cat “what is good and what is bad.”

Raising cats, like raising children, requires a lot of patience. In order for the animal to quickly understand what is required of it, reward it as often as possible. British cat sharpen his claws on a special board, and not on the back of the sofa - praise him, stroke him. Show encouragement not only with affection, but also with feeding (as circus animals are fed when they perform a trick).

The British cat does not understand human speech, but is able to understand a person by intonation, behavior towards him and the pronunciation of words often used towards him (the name of the pet, the commands “eat”, “come here” and others).

Play with your cat, give her attention and then she, in turn, will be affectionate and become your friend.

Pet mating

Having sheltered a female kitten in your home, you must understand that at some point in her life there will be a period of puberty, which will be associated with the solution of many issues.

In British cats puberty occurs already at 7–8 months of life.

The behavior of your pet will tell you about the beginning of this period. Usually cats become more affectionate and begin to roll on the floor, rubbing themselves against their owners’ legs and furniture for a long time. If you notice this behavior, you know that your cat has grown up and will soon be ready to become a mother. In addition, breeding British Shorthair cats can bring good income.

If you have decided to breed, take your time. Let the cat reach the age of 1 year, or better yet, wait until she is 1.5 years old. Mating cats at an early age may be unsuccessful (which will affect the health of the cat and her kittens).

When you and your kitty are ready and in the mood for mating, start looking for a suitable gentleman. It is better to look for applicants at exhibitions, but you can also use the search for advertisements about mating in the press. Look carefully at the color of the cat and the characteristics of the breed. After all, the breed and coat color will mainly influence the appearance of future kittens.

Having chosen a worthy groom for your kitty, carefully negotiate the mating conditions with his owners. This refers not only to monetary issues, but also to the premises in which the preparation and the process itself will take place. The place should be warm, clean and spacious. Bring everything you need with you: your usual cat eater, its bowls, tray, rug. You can take her favorite toys. The cat will be nervous when in a strange room. To avoid this, take her things that will create a familiar home environment.

Mating cats must be safe for both participants. Owners should take their pets to a veterinarian to be checked for invasive, fungal, infectious and viral diseases.

2 weeks before the process, it is necessary to carry out preventive deworming of animals.

When everything is ready, you can take your cat to visit the cat. You need to be prepared for the fact that animals may react to each other differently. At the beginning of the process, British cats hiss at cats and allow them to approach them after 3–5 attempts. It all depends on the stage of puberty.

Mating of cats will be successful if all its points are observed correctly. This mainly depends on the cat's readiness, because the cat can do this at any time. The process itself lasts about 7 minutes, after which ejaculation occurs. After the first time, fertilization may not occur, so animals are usually left alone for up to 3 days. After this, you can take your kitty home. Kittens are born after 58–68 days.

The British cat is very popular all over the world. She attracts with her sweet and at the same time majestic appearance. The fur of British cats is plush and soft to the touch. There are two types of British cats: British Shorthair and British Longhair. In the article we will talk about the characteristics of this breed, the history of its origin, care and maintenance.

British cat: description of the breed

As you can easily understand from the name, main feature The beauty of the British Shorthair lies in the length of its coat. We will talk about how this type of “British” was formed and what features it has in this chapter.

History of the breed

According to one version, it is believed that the original homeland of the British cat is France. It was from there that cats of this breed were transported throughout different parts peace. Another version says that British cats are descended from Egyptian and Roman cats. From Rome, cats were brought to the British Isles, where they interbred with local wild cats. The British noticed a new type of cat with beautiful and dense fur and decided to take the animals under close observation.

The fabulous Cheshire cat from L. Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland" was copied from the majestic appearance of a British cat

So, on July 13, 1871, the first professional cat exhibition took place in London, where the first British cats were shown. After this, the world's specialists, who were attracted by the beautiful and soft fur coat, took a serious interest in British beauties. In the 20th century, the British cat, thanks to the American felinological community, became known throughout the world. In Russia, the first British cats appeared only in 1980, and this breed gained popularity only in the 21st century.

Breed standard

British cats are large, but at the same time graceful and graceful. They attract with their beautiful, deep, intelligent eyes and soft, velvety fur that you want to touch. For all their massiveness, British cats are excellent hunters; they easily climb high structures.

Table 1. Standard of the British Shorthair cat

Characteristics	Description
Weight	4-8 kg
Head	Round, wide, with cheeks; the nose is short, in the same vertical line with the chin. The ears are straight, erect, small, round, and set low. The eyes are round, orange in color (pointing colors have blue eyes, chinchillas have blue, lavender, green)
Body	Powerful, wide chest and shoulders
Limbs	Paws are dense, small, massive, with thick claws
Tail	Thick at the base, with a rounded end
Wool	The coat is short, dense, with a thick undercoat

You need to know this! British cats have strictly straight, erect ears, so if your pet has folded ears, this is direct evidence that it is not purebred, or your pet is a representative of another breed, for example, a Scottish Fold.

Distinctive features of the British breed are a wide muzzle, a dense nose and full cheeks.

Color options

British cats have great variations in coat color. Mostly blue color is widespread, but this breed also has rarer ones, which are very much appreciated among breeders.

The main color options for British cats:

plain (solid). Skin and coat are strictly the same color. A cat with marks or spots will be disqualified from participating in exhibitions. The most common color is blue, but there are also black, purple, chocolate, red, and white. Rare solid colors include cinnamon, fawn;

The magnificent lilac color is the work of specialists. He is artificially bred

There should be no yellow tints in the white color. The color is difficult to obtain; when breeding, there is a high risk of giving birth to kittens with defects

The color “cinnamon” (cinnamon) is a rare shade. It is very valuable and is a shade of chocolate color

The “fawn” color is even rarer. This is a version of clarified cinnamon. A very valuable color for breeders, because it makes it possible to obtain new light shades
tortoiseshell color. Magnificent, with an even combination of spots, unique to cats. It is desirable that there are shades of red or cream on the cat's face;
Mostly only cats have a tortoiseshell color. Males rarely appear with a complex tortoiseshell shade, and due to a genetic error they are infertile
silver and golden shaded. Animals with these rare colors are considered the most expensive because of their luxurious, evenly colored, rich coat. The main thing is that the pigmentation is 1/8 of the length of the hair part. The cats are similar to chinchillas, which is why they are called British chinchillas. Eye color in this color is blue, lilac or green;
One of the rare colors is silver

In the golden color, gray undercoat is not allowed. In this case, the cats are considered defective and are discarded.
color point. The color is very similar to the Siamese and has a combination of white and base color (black, chocolate, red);
British cat with color-point coat color
tabby The color is represented by a print on the cat's fur in the form of contrasting symmetrical stripes, spots, or a marble pattern on any non-primary color. Therefore, cats of this color are very similar to small tigers or leopards;
Marble tabby color
"Whiskas". The silver coat has clear stripes throughout the body. The drawing must have contrast and clarity. This type of color is valuable among breeders;
Whiskas-colored cats became popular after a TV commercial for Whiskas food was released.
bicolor, harlequin, particolor. The color is a combination of two colors, where the maximum predominance is white.
Bicolor color

Character

British cats tolerate loneliness well, but at the same time they miss their owner. Animals have an attachment to only one person, but at the same time lead an independent lifestyle. The British cat tries to avoid guests, in some cases it can even show aggression if they show excessive attention to it.

You need to know this! British cats have English manners, they are restrained, not intrusive, intelligent and have a sense of self-esteem, an inner core.

Cats of this breed are very calm, they can ask for affection whenever they want, but prefer it to a minimum. Pets have a good mind and intelligence. If you disturb the peace of a British cat, she will not use her claws, but will only warn you by hitting you with a soft fluffy paw that she does not need attention at the moment. Thanks to its well-mannered character, the furniture in the apartment remains intact, but this does not mean that the pet does not need a special nail sharpener.

These animals are always the first in everything: the place on the bed is always central, the chair in the room is always the most favorite, the owner’s. And if your pet has chosen a place, it doesn’t matter how many times you kick it out, it will still return to it - even if it’s your pillow.

British cats are calm, balanced, they love to lie on the sofa, somewhere close to the owner. A pet can come into your arms only at will to receive a portion of affection. Kittens need to be raised with early age, otherwise it will be practically impossible to re-educate the adult later.

This breed has no problems with the litter box. British cats are very clean, although they can be capricious if they are not satisfied with the litter. Therefore, the contents of the tray must be selected individually, taking into account the preferences of your pet. The pet also devotes more time to his appearance, so the British “aristocrat” washes his face all day long. For all their British reserve, these cats love to play, so you should stock up on a variety of toys and try to play with your pet.

British cats are not difficult to care for, but in order for the animal to be healthy and always look well-groomed, you need to devote some time to it. You need to comb your pet twice a week; this procedure has a beneficial effect on the condition of the plush fur. A British shorthair cat should not be washed frequently; only 2-3 times a year is enough, or if the animal has been outside.

It is worth inspecting and cleaning the ears monthly from accumulation of wax and wiping them regularly. eye drops or tea infusion of the eyes. A scratching post is a must. In this way, you will protect your furniture and wallpaper from the sharp claws of your pet, and at the same time ensure that the horny part of the claw is worn down by the British cat.

At 7-8 months, British kittens undergo their first molt, so you should be patient and brush your pet thoroughly every day. At this age, kittens lose their baby undercoat in large quantities, but this is not considered a disease.

You need to know this! A British cat needs to have its nails trimmed once every two weeks to prevent ingrown nails and excessive length.

Feeding

Feeding a British cat should be balanced, rich in vitamins and minerals, and also contain proteins. Nutritious food will be the key to your pet’s health and beautiful shiny coat. You can choose a diet for your pet among industrial foods; it is advisable to stick to the choice of well-known companies and the line of holistic, superpremium and premium classes.

Such food is completely ready for consumption and has a dry and soft (canned) appearance. If you have time to create and prepare a diet yourself, then it is better to feed your pet natural products. But don’t forget that you must include vitamins in your diet, which can be purchased at a specialized pet store.

The British cat's diet should be balanced, nutritious and contain essential proteins, fats and carbohydrates that are good for health.

Natural feeding requires the presence of:

meat products (beef, rabbit, turkey, chicken, offal);
boiled sea fish without bones;
quail, chicken eggs;
dairy products (milk, cottage cheese, low-fat cheese, kefir);
cereals in the form of porridge (buckwheat, rice, oatmeal, wheat);
vegetables (carrots, cucumbers, zucchini, cauliflower, broccoli);
cat grass and sprouted wheat, oats;
vitamin-mineral complex.

You should not feed your cat foods that contain salt, sugar, or spices. Chocolate and other sweets are not suitable for a cat’s body and will only cause harm to your pet.

You need to know this! Kittens drink mother's milk up to 1.5-2 months, then they can be fed cow's milk, liquid porridges and boiled meat in the form of puree. Milk can cause distress in adult cats digestive tract, so it should be given only as a treat, depending on the pet’s well-being.

More detailed information about the nuances can be found in a separate article on our portal.

Features of the body

British cats, like all purebred animals, are prone to a number of diseases. If you do not monitor your pet, you may miss the development of an infection. For example, cats of this breed may be predisposed to:

to colds;
cryptorchidism;
skeletal deformities;
malocclusion;
deafness;
blindness.

British cats have good immune system, but you should periodically show your pet to the veterinarian to avoid hidden infection

Owner reviews

The positive qualities of the British cat include its calm and balanced character, as well as independence. These animals can easily stay home alone for a long time. The pet does not make much noise, only sometimes letting the owner know that it is time for lunch or that the toilet needs to be cleaned. It is worth purchasing in advance the necessary tools for caring for your pet, a scratching post, bowls for food and drink, toys, and a toilet.

British cats have their own special character, so you need to raise your pet from a young age, as soon as it appears in the house.

Price

The price of a British cat depends on the purpose of purchase. Kittens purchased as a pet are usually cheaper than those purchased for breeding and for participation in exhibitions. average price a kitten with a pedigree - 20-30 thousand rubles, this takes into account gender, size, external characteristics and title of the parents.

It is better to purchase a kitten from a nursery from a responsible breeder. The exterior of the animal is the main thing you need to immediately pay attention to. The kitten should look harmonious, so the body and head should be proportional, and the bite should be scissor-shaped. Also, a kitten should have everything Required documents. Kittens sold as pets are usually spayed (neutered) immediately.

Russian nurseries

In Russia there are several nurseries engaged in breeding British Shorthair cats at a professional level:

SunRay, Moscow region, Zeleny village;
Wonder Plush, Moscow;
Miracle Cats, Moscow;
Galeksy, Vladivostok;
Steppe Stars *RUS, Krasnodar.

Video - About the British Shorthair cat

British Longhair cats are a type of British cat and modern times are considered an independent breed. When breeding a British Shorthair cat, kittens with long hair those carrying the gene for long hair were eliminated, as they were a “defect” of the breed.

Now animals with long hair are considered a separate species and are very popular. British longhair cats carry the blood of shorthair cats (must have their type and bone structure) and Persian cats (they inherit long hair). But it doesn’t always work out this way, and often the animals did not meet the established standards, so there are still no clearly established descriptions of the long-haired “British”.

History of the origin of the breed

British longhair cats appeared during the development of new coat colors by crossing British and Persian breeds. The gene responsible for long hair is recessive, so the first few generations were short-haired, but subsequent breedings produced kittens with long hair.

Such kittens were considered “defective” and were discarded, but some experts decided to take a different path and began to actively study British cats with long hair. Thus, while breeding long-haired British cats, breeders tried to achieve the ideal look. However, hybrid individuals were born with severe skull defects and soft fluffy hair, so the breeders decided to breed only the most successful hybrids.